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Since Walt Disney World Resort began its phased reopening in July 2020, the theme park’s official website has been continually updated with new information about the enhanced safety measures Guests can expect when they visit to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions, such as the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
The new theme park restrictions includes three guiding principles: Enhanced Cleaning, Physical Distancing, and Reduced Contact.
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Disney’s official website update also includes information about Disney World’s new face mask requirement. It is important to note that you won’t be allowed to enter Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios without an appropriate face covering.
Walt Disney World Resort‘s official guidelines read:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
- Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
- Meet all face covering requirements listed above
The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
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It is important to note that Disney World officials have made clear that wearing a mask is not an alternative to social distancing measures. Cast Members will enforce six-foot distances between parties throughout Disney’s theme parks, water parks, and resort hotels.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is set to reopen on March 7, 2021 and will not require Disney Park Pass reservations at this time. Park Passes are, however, still required for entry to all four Walt Disney World theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and have been extended into 2022.
Furthermore, Disney has confirmed that while Guests are eating and drinking they must remain stationary and continue to practice physical distancing. This applies both at restaurants and at events like the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival last year and the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This means that you won’t be able to walk around the World Showcase while drinking a cocktail for the foreseeable future.
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If you are looking for a Disney inspired face mask to wear when the parks reopen, there are lots of great options available. From Disney’s official cloth face mask options (now available at World of Disney at Disney Springs) to matching Minnie Ears and face mask sets, you’re sure to find something that suits your style before you hit Disney World for the first time this summer!
What do you think about the official Disney World face mask guidelines? Let us know in the comments below.
This article has been updated since it was originally published.